This 104.3-mile journey from Lincoln City to Gresham, Oregon, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of local roads and interstate, with about 14% of the drive on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this trip offers a straightforward way to transition from the Pacific Coast region to another part of the same region. The route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, suggesting a more engaging and less predictable experience than a pure interstate cruise. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
52.2 miles from Lincoln City, OR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Salmon River Highway
43.4 mi
1h
Southwest Pacific Highway
12.1 mi
21m
I 5
6.7 mi
9m
Banfield Freeway
6.6 mi
8m
Columbia River Highway
4.7 mi
5m
Pacific Highway West
4.5 mi
6m
Newberg-Dundee Bypass
4.2 mi
5m
Southeast Dayton Bypass
4.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Salmon River Highway
— 43.4 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lincoln City, OR and Gresham, OR.
1
Start on Southwest Fleet Avenue
0.3 mi·55 sec·Southwest Fleet Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto US 101
0.9 mi·2 min·Oregon Coast Highway
3
Turn right onto Northeast 14th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Northeast 14th Street
4
Continue on Northeast West Devils Lake Road
1.8 mi·3 min·Northeast West Devils Lake Road
5
Turn right onto US 101
1.9 mi·3 min·Oregon Coast Highway
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·30 sec
7
Continue on OR 18
27 mi·37 min·Salmon River Highway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto OR 18
17 mi·22 min·Salmon River Highway
9
Take the exit onto OR 18
2.5 mi·3 min·West McMinnville Bypass
10
Continue on OR 18
2.2 mi·3 min·Southeast Three Mile Lane
11
Continue on OR 18
4.1 mi·5 min·Southeast Dayton Bypass
12
Merge onto OR 99W; OR 18
3.1 mi·4 min·Pacific Highway West
13
Turn left onto OR 18
4.2 mi·5 min·Newberg-Dundee Bypass
14
At end of road, turn left onto OR 219
0.2 mi·28 sec·Northeast Saint Paul Highway
15
Turn right onto South Springbrook Road
1.0 mi·2 min·South Springbrook Road
Use the right lane.
16
Turn right onto OR 99W
1.0 mi·1 min·East Portland Road
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on OR 99W
1.4 mi·1 min·Pacific Highway West
18
Continue on OR 99W
12 mi·21 min·Southwest Pacific Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 5: Portland, SalemUse the straight / right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 5
5.6 mi·7 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
1.1 mi·1 min·I 5
Toward SeattleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 300Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles, Portland AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: Portland Airport, The DallesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 84; US 30
6.6 mi·8 min·Banfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 84; US 30
4.7 mi·5 min·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 14Toward Fairview ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn right onto Northeast Fairview Parkway
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast Fairview Parkway
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left onto Northeast Glisan Street
0.4 mi·51 sec·Northeast Glisan Street
29
Turn right onto Northeast 223rd Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·Northeast 223rd Avenue
30
Turn slight left
277 ft·10 sec
31
Turn left onto Northwest Fairview Drive
0.2 mi·31 sec·Northwest Fairview Drive
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on North Main Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·North Main Avenue
33
Turn right onto Northwest 1st Street
138 ft·9 sec·Northwest 1st Street
34
Turn left
63 ft·4 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 38-minute drive covering 104.3 miles, flexibility is your advantage since it's easily completed in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to make the most of daylight and allow ample time for any unscheduled stops. While only one official stop is indicated, the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you might want to build in short breaks to stretch your legs and reorient yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $21 estimated cost suggests a moderate expenditure, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially before longer stretches like the 43.4 miles on Salmon River Highway.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 52.2 miles from Lincoln City, OR, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.4 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 23 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.2 miles or 1h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gresham, OR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lincoln City, OR so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lincoln City, OR
This is one driving day of about 104.3 miles and 2h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Lincoln City, OR.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Salmon River Highway for about 43.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.2 and 100.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
81.2 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 5: Portland, Salem
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 5: Portland, Salem
7
87.2 mi into trip|~2h 11m in|I 5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 toward Seattle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Seattle
8
88.2 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles, Portland Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 300
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles, Portl...
8
88.4 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 84 East, US 30 East: Portland Airport, The Dalles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: Portland Airport,...
7
100.6 mi into trip|~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward Fairview Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 14
Toward Fairview Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.78 one way
$41.56 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$21.99
$43.98
premium
$5.59
$22.96
$45.92
diesel
$5.61
$23.03
$46.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.3
0
$10.95
$5.01
Efficient EV
26.1
0
$9.13
$4.17
EV Truck/SUV
41.7
0
$14.60
$6.68
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lincoln City, OR
Night
in Lincoln City on Saturday
Local time
9:34 PM
PDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gresham, OR
Night
in Gresham on Saturday
Local time
9:34 PM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 38m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a driving experience that is more about navigating local roads than cruising on the interstate. Only 14% of this 104.3-mile route is on highways, meaning you'll encounter numerous turns and changes in speed. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 43.4 miles along Salmon River Highway, offering a solid segment of consistent driving before you transition to other routes. This 'turn-heavy local drive' profile indicates a need for attention to navigation, as you'll be frequently adjusting your course. The overall feel is likely one of engaging with the landscape through its local thoroughfares.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.4 mi on Salmon River Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 104.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 81.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.2 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lincoln City, OR and Gresham, OR, road signs point toward Salem, Seattle, Portland Airport and The Dalles.
Gresham is the fourth largest city within the state of Oregon, with a population of 114,000 in 2020. It's the home of an annual jazz festival. It is a part of the Portland Metropolitan Area and is generally considered a Portland suburb.
The downtown area of Gresham can be easily missed by those driving along W Powell Blvd, but has a handful of restaurants and shops to offer, as well as Main City Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 104.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43.4 miles on Salmon River Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Gresham, OR before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.2 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Gresham, OR before heading back.
